Crystal Palace produced a strong response to their recent European setback with a commanding 3–1 win over AZ Alkmaar, moving them up to ninth in the UEFA Conference League phase.
Manager Oliver Glasner had called for a strong response from Crystal Palace after their defeat to AEK Larnaca but AZ’s disciplined performance made it tough for Palace to seize an early advantage.
Crystal Palace had successfully secured a place in the Carabao cup quarter finals after they hit Liverpool with an impressive 3-0 defeat.
The visitors started brightly before Ismaila Sarr rattled the post and won a penalty after being fouled by Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro. Following a lengthy VAR review confirming Sarr was onside, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s weak spot-kick was easily saved.
Palace remained on the front foot, with Sarr denied again and Will Hughes’ volley striking the crossbar. Against the run of play, AZ took the lead when Maxence Lacroix fired in from close range, a goal confirmed after another long VAR check.
The Eagles hit back just before half-time. Yeremy Pino’s looping free-kick sparked chaos in the box, and Sarr reacted quickest to prod home for the equaliser.
AZ briefly threatened after the restart, with Sven Mijnans finding the net via a deflection to make it 2–1. However, Palace responded almost immediately as Mateta turned provider, threading a perfect pass for Sarr to finish calmly and restore the two-goal cushion.
Softfootball reported that after that match with Liverpool, Palace fans basked in pride and were over the moon with excitement.
In the same vein, the club has again made their fans proud as they went hysterical with joy because of their performance at the match tonight.
From there, Glasner’s men took control and saw out the game with confidence. Sarr’s brace and Palace’s resilience ensured a deserved win, reaffirming their European ambitions with a polished home performance.
From this game, Crystal Palace must have taken so much positivity thereby adding meaning to what their coach, Oliver Glasner once said.
Crystal Palace posted the final score in their verified X handle.
